Cumbria's adoption agency is calling out for new adopters from the county to help reverse a 'concerning' decline in adoption rates across England.

There are currently more children in England in need of a permanent home than there are people coming forward to adopt them.

Cumbria Adoption Service Manager, Ruth McHugh, said: “Last year Cumbria Adoption enabled 40 children being cared for by Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council to join new adoptive families.

“Every child should have a loving, permanent home, so it is concerning we don’t have enough adopters coming through to meet the needs of some of our children."

Nine out of ten prospective adopters say the current cost-of-living crisis is directly influencing their adoption decisions.

Ms McHugh said: "Our message is that while you need to have a stable home in place, there is never a ‘perfect time’ to adopt.

“We’re encouraging anyone considering adoption to take the first step in their journey and get in touch with Cumbria Adoption – because the right time for our children waiting for their forever family would be now."

To find out more about starting your adoption journey with Cumbria Adoption go to www.cumbriaadoption.org.uk